Village in the Shade Brings Farming and Horror to Switch 2 and More

A quiet Japanese village might seem like the perfect place to settle down, grow crops, and get to know the locals, but Village in the Shade has a few rules that suggest something is seriously wrong beneath its picturesque exterior.

From the creators of the Yomawari series, this new hand-painted farming sim is now available on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and PC. Set in the mountain village of Kagatsu, the game combines traditional countryside activities with a darker mystery waiting to be uncovered.

Players can grow crops, customize their homes, gather resources, and befriend the villagers while taking part in seasonal activities such as summer festivals and cherry-blossom viewing. Fishing, hunting, crafting, and exploring the surrounding community offer plenty of ways to settle into rural life, but there are three important rules to remember: don’t talk to strangers, don’t leave the village, and never go outside at night.

Those looking for a more conventional farming experience can instead choose Village in the Sunshine mode. This option prevents players from breaking the village’s rules, allowing them to enjoy the farming, fishing, and other countryside activities without venturing into the game’s more unsettling side. For those willing to take their chances, however, discovering the truth about Kagatsu means risking whatever lurks behind its peaceful appearance.

Village in the Shade is available now on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. The game is listed at £49.99 in the supplied announcement, although regional pricing may vary.

A Limited Edition is also available to order for $89.99. It includes a copy of the game, a collector’s box, an art book, the original soundtrack, an acrylic block, and a set of metal pins.